Atlanta is quickly becoming a dog friendly city filled with dog daycares, dog parks, dog boutiques, and pet sitters, but Atlanta has a devastating population of homeless dogs at its local shelters and rescues.  Although the different Atlanta based organizations give various statistics regarding how many pets are euthanized in Atlanta yearly, the numbers are shocking. The estimated number of wasted lives in Atlanta alone is near 80,000.  The fourth reason why these dogs are left behind on the list under strays, size, and change of heart, is lack of training and behavioral problems.

 Lack of training or behavioral problems can mean several things, such as the dog not being housebroken, uncontrollable jumping, constant barking, and destructive or aggressive behavior. Typically, behavioral issues can be resolved in a few days to a couple of weeks with 10 minutes of daily practice. If a new dog owner begins training immediately, they set a precedence of positive rules that are followed and respected. Positive, fair, and consistent enforcement of rules encourage a respect between the dog and owner and increases the chance of a long happy relationship.  Trained dogs are less likely to be left behind at shelters, therefore decreasing the gruesome numbers of pet deaths each year.

Basic training should be a requirement in every dog owning household.  The basics include training for appropriate household and public manners, and enrolling in an obedience class where the dog learns to sit, lie down, walk on a loose leash, stay in position, and come when called. With a trainer to guide the owner, this coaching can be taught in 10 hours of instruction with 10 minutes of practice each or every other day. If an owner can’t afford 10 minutes for training, maybe they should reconsider getting a dog. Ultimately, training is as important to a dog’s well being as feeding him and taking him to a veterinarian for yearly vaccines and routine check ups.

For Atlanta to continue to grow as a dog friendly community, more dogs need to become respectable members of their homes and communities, and fewer dogs should be unnecessarily killed each year. For owners who don’t know how to handle their misbehaving dogs, there are experienced trainers in Atlanta willing to help. Training can save the lives of many dogs, and it is up to us as responsible dog owners to give our best friends the opportunity of a lifetime. 

Here are some tips to remember:

• Pick a dog that fits your energy level and lifestyle.

• Start positive, motivational training the first day your new puppy or dog comes home.

• Don’t wait and allow the puppy to teach himself, you won’t like what he has learned.

• Be a positive leader for your dog by setting fair rules and enforcing them.

• Teach fairly, maximize your positives and minimize the negatives.

• Read a book on canine behavior, you will be amazed at what you will learn.

• If you are having trouble, don’t wait to call a trainer!

Alexandra Wright

Look for this article in the May edition of Animal Wellness Magazine!

© 2005 Alexandra Wright. All Rights Reserved.